Regency Personalities Series-Charles Lennox 3rd Duke of Richmond

Regency Personalities SeriesIn my attempts to provide us with the details of the Regency, today I continue with one of the many period notables.

Charles Lennox 3rd Duke of RichmondFebruary 22 1735-December 29 1806

The Duke of Richmond

From birth he was known as the Earl of March. He was educated at the Westminster School and became Duke of Richmond and Lennox in 1750. His sisters were the famous four, Caroline Lennox, Emily, Louisa and Sarah. Charles was thus the uncle of many famous people including Charles James Fox. Charles was the great-grandson of Charles II.

Charles Lennox, 3rd Duke of Richmond

Charles was commissioned in the 2nd Foot Guards in 1751, and made lieutenant-colonel of the 33rd Regiment of Foot in 1756. In 1758 he was made Colonel of the 72nd Regiment of Foot. His younger brother George Lennox took command of the 33rd. Charles fought during the Seven Year’s War. After he was appointed an ambassador to Paris. He served the government in the Rockingham Whig administration.

In the debates that led to the war with the Americans, Charles supported the Colonists. He initiated the debate that called for the removal of British Troops in 1778. Charles also advocated a policy of concession to Ireland. It was the Duke who originated the phrase, “A Union of Hearts.” When Rockingham came back to power Charles was Master-General of the Ordnance. In 1784 he became a member of William Pitt’s ministry. He switched to Tory beliefs. He left no legitimate children so his nephew Charles inherited. He was a patron of several artists such as George Stubbs, Pompeo Batoni, Anton Raphael Mengs, Joshua Reynolds, George Romney and George Smith of Chichester.